Xun (instrument)

The entry for the Xun in the oldest surviving Chinese encyclopedia, Erya (Refined Definitions, c. 3rd century BC), describes it as being of two types: The origin of this unique wind instrument dates back to the Stone Age and has much to do with early Chinese hunting practices.

[3] During ancient times, people often tied a stone or mud ball to the rope that was used for hunting wild animals.

The shape of the instrument and number of finger holes of the xun as we know it today were standardized during the Shang dynasty.

[5] However, the sound of xun is also associated as the symbol of respectable hermits, lady in sorrow, or heroes at the end of their strength, and is considered the best instrument to perform a heartbreaking tone, or to make solemn music within the royal court.

[6] The Erya (爾雅): "A large xun is like a goose egg, with a flattened bottom and six holes; a small one is like a chicken egg" Classic of Poetry (詩經): "The elder brother plays xun, the younger brother plays chi [transverse flute]"[7]

The front of a glazed pottery xun , showing blowing hole and six finger holes
The back of a glazed pottery xun , showing blowing hole and two thumb holes
A modern ceramic xun decorated with an engraving of a dragon.